Large Dams, Irrigation and Social Equity in Swaziland

Abstract

A review of the literature relating to the costs and benefits of large dam and irrigation projects in the developing world demonstrates that such investments have not, in the majority of cases, yielded expected results (Clarke 1993, Pearce 1993). Poor project design and insensitive project analysis have led to some appalling indictments against the case for large dam developments (Mehta 1997). However, in Southern Africa the development and management of water resources involving large dams is taking on critical importance as regional governments are awakening to the fact that economic, social and political stability within their countries are intimately linked to the sustainable access to water (Funnell 1988, Government of the Republic of South Africa 1997, Ryan 1998, Saturday Star newspaper 1998).